Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an author, I am new to this game, having published my first book in early Oct, 2014. I’ve always enjoyed writing, even back when I was a teen, and writing assignments were always an easy “A” for me. Although Winter Fall is my first book, its early success has inspired me to keep writing, and I plan on releasing several books over the course of the next year.
I was born and raised in North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) I then moved to Florida for approximately a dozen years, where I held a job as an urban planner before going the self-employed route as a home inspector in the early 2000’s. In 2005, I moved to Atlanta, GA, where I continue to reside.
My favorite activities include travel, photography and woodworking, as well as mountain hiking, and of course, reading and writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Winter Fall, an apocalyptic tale of the Yellowstone Supervolcano and its aftermath. My biggest inspiration for this novel is Lucifier’s Hammer, by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. I absolutely loved this novel, and I read it several times as a teen, and I’ve always wanted to write a book along those lines. Coupled with my long-held fascination with supervolcanos and their capacity to wreck destruction on our all-too-fragile civilization, the idea for Winter Fall was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in short, quick bursts, usually in the morning. I may spit out five or six thousand words in a few short hours, but once I stop, I usually have to wait until the next day to pick it up again.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots of authors, here’s just a few: Larry Niven (of course,) Steven King, Author C, Clarke, Robert Heilein, Ken Follet (particularly Pillars of the Earth, another book I’ve read several times,) Dean Koontz, Michael Chrichton – I could go on and on, but you get the idea. 🙂
What are you working on now?
My next book is titled Martian Contagion, a sci-fi thriller dealing with a deadly viral outbreak on a science base on the surface of Mars. I’ve always been fascinated with Mars, which is why my next book will be set on this fascinating world. I hope to have this released by Jan of 2015.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This site, for one. 🙂 I joined a number of pertinent forums where I shared my book, as well as a multitude of facebook groups, etc. A huge part of my book promotion is face-to-face sharing of my work, and I know I’ve sold quite a few books that way. I’ve even gotten business cards with my book cover on it to hand out to people – which is something I’d encourage fellow authors to do as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write some more. 🙂 But I’d never gotten to where I am today if it wasn’t for my willingness to listen to critical feedback and working to make my writing as good as it can be. And don’t be shy about getting your book out there once it’s been published. Sure, it’s many hours of hard work, but it does pay. Let your passion show – it really does make a difference.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have a good “hook” for your book – if it doesn’t draw the reader in on Page 1, Paragraph 1, you’re probably not going to sell very many books.
What are you reading now?
Sector 64: Ambush, by Dean M Cole, a fellow indie author. It’s a good read so far. 🙂
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write more books! And to keep promoting the one(s) I’ve written, however I can.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lucifer’s Hammer, the Stand, Pillars of the Earth – not only are they my faves, they’re long enough to keep me reading for quite a bit of time. 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Byron Tucker Amazon Profile
Byron Tucker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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